A Letter From
Our Executive
Director Buddy Rizer
Buddy Rizer, CEcD, EDP
Executive Director
Reecting on an amazing 17 years with Loudoun Economic Development and the tremendous success our
department has achieved during that time, it’s difcult to imagine that the amount of growth we’ve realized could
be sustained for over a decade, let alone continue to set new records year over year. But, as we close out Fiscal
Year 2023 and charge headlong into Fiscal Year 2024, we have once again witnessed business investment numbers
never before seen in our County and, in some instances, entire states.
Outside of numbers, FY23 introduced us to incredible developments in the County that will continue to make
Loudoun a premier destination for businesses to invest in and world-class workforce to relocate to. I think of
Connectivity, Access, Expansion, and Diversity as highlights when I count down my favorite stories from this past
year. As the stories you’ll read in this Annual Report highlight, our County is so much more than raw data, though
we do still remain the Data Center Capital of the World!
For our Department’s accomplishments this year, we were recognized in several prestigious publications, including
The Washingtonian, Virginia Business Magazine, and the Washington Business Journal, while also receiving awards
from the National Association of Counties, Virginia Association of Counties, and Hermes Creative for several of our
signature programs. Members of our department also took signicant steps this year toward improving themselves
through continuing education. I am especially proud to announce that Colleen Kardasz became a Certied
Economic Developer (CEcD) and Dave Diaz was named a certied Entrepreneurship Development Professional
(EDP). Both honors are extremely exclusive and showcase the commitment our team has to improving themselves
to provide even better service to our community. I am honored and humbled to be part of such an extremely
dedicated and talented staff that continues to push the envelope of what modern economic development looks
like.
Of course, I recognize that these accomplishments, and the path toward continuous and sustainable economic
growth in Loudoun County, is a concerted group effort between our staff, community partners, and a forward-
thinking Board of Supervisors. Together, we have achieved remarkable results, demonstrating that Loudoun
County remains a premier destination for businesses and professionals alike.
Looking ahead, we remain committed to our mission of promoting Loudoun County as a tremendous place to
Start, Scale, and Soar innovative business ideas. We aim to build upon our successes by fostering inclusivity and
sustainability, ensuring that our community remains a thriving and dynamic place to live, work, learn, and play.
Now, join me as we count down Loudoun Economic Development’s Top 10 stories of FY23, celebrating the
tremendous growth and success of Loudoun’s business community and expressing gratitude to all our stakeholders
for their continued support and collaboration.
